Abuja – President Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, conferred the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
President Tinubu bestowed the honour on the PM during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held at the presidential Villa, Abuja.
Modi, who arrived in Abuja Saturday evening, was received at Forecourt of the State House by President Tinubu at about 10:20 am.
On arrival, the Indian leader was welcomed with the Indian Anthem, which was followed by a Guard of Honour, mounted by Brigade of Guards, rendered the Nigerian Anthem and led the visiting leader in inspection of the mounted parade.
A 21-gun salute followed the inspection of the mounted Guard of Honour.
While together, both leaders are expected to spare head a number of bilateral activities, including a restricted meeting, some delegation-level talks, as well as exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoU).
President Tinubu said that the award was bestowed on the Indian leader to signify Nigeria’s appreciation and commitment to the Nigerian Indian partnership.
The Nigerian Leader added that the invitation to the Indian PM was to rekindle and reclassify existing relationship between Nigeria and India.
He also stated that the high-level engagement was intended to improve
According to him, “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.
“You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms, you have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much.
“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner.”
Commiserating with Nigeria over the recent floods that ravaged several cities across the country, including the Maiduguri major flood incident, the Indian Prime Minister promised to support Nigeria with 20 tons of relief materials.
Modi said this is to support the administration of President Tinubu on its ongoing humanitarian efforts.